Analysis of "To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die" - Mariam Anwar
In his New York times article, "To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die", author Simon Critchley contrasts the concepts of fear and anxiety. In today's day and age, especially with the seemingly never-ending global COVID-19 pandemic, many are stuck in a state of panic and are unsure about the state of their futures. In his article, Critchley analyzes these stressed feelings many are experiencing in terms of basic philosophy in order to better understand the human psyche.
According to the article, anxiety can be characterized as "a state in which the particular facts of the world recede from view". By this statement, Critchley describes the state of anxiety as almost an irrational mindset that isn't necessarily logical. On the other hand, fear can be defined as the reaction to a clear and specific threat and stems from something that is an observable or tangible danger. Essentially anxiety exceeds fear in complexity, as it is objectless and lacks a clear focus.
Additionally, Critchley also comments on philosophy and its possible application to the pandemic. He argues that philosophy is essentially the process of learning how to die. Humans often treat death as a taboo subject and in doing so we fail to come to terms with the idea of immortality. Therefore, we all constantly live in a state of anxiety as we neglect to acknowledge the inevitable end. Therefore, Critchley concludes that during this pandemic, the state of fear that many of us have experienced is merely anxiety over the idea of dying. This anxiety over death will hold us hostage if we don't begin to come to terms with our mortality, and like Michel de Montaigne advised, learn how to die.
I agree with Critchley's argument as I believe that the concept of death is one that is not addressed or discussed enough in society. Therefore, naturally, it is a reality that many of us fear and are uncomfortable with and is therefore a source of anxiety. Similar to what the article stated, I also believe that once we become more comfortable with the idea of death and embrace realism we can begin to control our emotions and turn our weaknesses into strengths.
Hello Mariam,
ReplyDeleteI agree exactly with what you stated in the final paragraph of your post. Despite how death will eventually happen to everyone, the subject is still widely avoided. Through confronting death, rather than trying to navigate around the subject, people can live happier lives. As you stated, it will give people more control over their emotions. I also thought your analysis and overall post were great!
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ReplyDeleteHi Mariam. I think that your analysis of the final paragraph is important; it is something that should be talked about more. I liked how you phrased anxiety as a more complex version of fear, lacking a clear focus. I also liked that you elaborated on Critchleys interpretation of the cause of our anxiety during this pandemic - our fear over our own mortality.
ReplyDelete- Ben Caligiuri